Howrah

Tourist places in Howrah, Howrah Travel Info

City Overview

HOWRAH is a major city located on the western bank of the Hooghly River, directly opposite Kolkata. It forms an integral part of the Kolkata metropolitan area and is one of the most important industrial and transportation hubs in eastern India.

Howrah is nationally renowned for the iconic Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) and Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest railway stations in India. The city has a strong industrial base with engineering, jute, chemicals, and manufacturing units, alongside dense residential neighborhoods and bustling markets. With its close integration with Kolkata, Howrah is suitable for business travelers, daily commuters, industrial visitors, students, and cultural explorers.

Best Time to Visit

Howrah experiences a tropical climate with hot summers, a humid monsoon season, and mild winters. Summers from April to June are hot and humid, making outdoor travel uncomfortable during daytime.

The monsoon season, from June to September, brings moderate to heavy rainfall that cools temperatures but may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas. Winter, from October to February, is the most pleasant time to visit, offering comfortable weather for city travel, riverfront walks, and sightseeing.

  • Peak season months with highlights: October to February with pleasant winter weather
  • Off-season benefits and considerations: Fewer tourists during monsoon, heavy rain
  • Best months for sightseeing and outdoor activities: November to January

Transportation & Getting Around

Howrah is one of India’s most important transport nodes. Howrah Junction connects the city to almost every major region of the country. The city is also connected to Kolkata by multiple bridges and extensive suburban rail services.

The nearest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Local transportation includes suburban trains, city buses, trams (limited routes), auto-rickshaws, ferries across the Hooghly River, app-based taxis, and private vehicles.

  • Nearest airport and railway connectivity: Kolkata Airport and Howrah Junction
  • Local transport options and convenience: Trains, buses, autos, ferries, taxis
  • Estimated travel costs within the city: Budget-friendly public transport

Nearby Places & Day Trips

Howrah’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby cultural, religious, and riverine destinations in and around the Kolkata metropolitan region.

Popular nearby places include Kolkata for museums and heritage sites, Belur Math for spiritual visits, Dakshineswar Kali Temple for religious tourism, and Chandannagar for colonial heritage. These destinations are easily reachable within a short travel time.

  • Popular nearby attractions with distance: Kolkata, Belur Math, Dakshineswar, Chandannagar
  • Nature, heritage, and adventure options: River ghats, temples, heritage sites
  • Recommended day-trip plans: One-day cultural, spiritual, or heritage itineraries